It’s been a little quiet around here for the past week, because my family has been in California for the book release party of “Inspired Celebrations,” written by Ngoc Nguyen Lay, with recipes by me and photography by Caroline Tran. (The photo above shows drinks featured at the release party that were in the book!) The parties were kind of bittersweet. We’ve been working on this since 2009 and it is now 2012, when the book will be released to the public (you can get it off www.amazon.com). I met Caroline last year when we did the food photo shoot, and I do have to say, the three of us have loads of fun together!
Last Thursday the book premiere party was held at Pandora on Green, in Pasadena, California. The family book premiere party was at S Fine Dining, in Westminster, California. I felt deeply humbled for all the support that we received and saw a lot of people that I haven’t seen in ten years! The week was like a rush of anticipation, excitement, reunions, accomplishment, and love. I didn’t take too many pictures, but you’ll find fantastic images on Caroline’s blog. A highlight of the party was when the video of the story of “Inspired Celebrations” showed. If you have seven minutes, definitely watch it (you may have to refresh your screen to see the link – I did).
Inspired Celebrations // The Journey from RainbowFish on Vimeo.
And for those of you who haven’t purchased the book yet, you have a chance to win one before the official release date of July 1! I know it’s difficult to make a comment on this thing (you usually have to sign in…so annoying), but I have allowed comments to be posted without signing in to wordpress. For now! Hehe. So, you have until Sunday night, 5pm CST, to post a comment and win a chance to receive your very own copy of “Inspired Celebrations.” I’ll announce the winner on Monday, June 25 (the book will be officially released on July 1, so if I ship it on Monday, you can possibly get it earlier than July 1! Oooh!!).
So tell me in a comment, what inspired celebration have you planned (or are planning/attending) for this year?
So proud of you babe! And no I don’t need a free book!
Haha! Thank you lots and lots and lots!
I’m much better at being a guest than a hostess, though your fabulous book has certainly wanted me to throw a couple parties of my OWN! (I can’t WAIT to do the “outdoor movie”) and create some of your fabulous dishes!!! I think that EVERY get-together is a celebration of some kind, so luckily I have lots of celebrations to look forward to… weddings, birthdays, and just friends getting together for some much-needed girl time! Since I already picked up a book of my own at the premier party at the Pandora, there’s no need to enter me into the contest. But I wanted to leave this comment to let you know how AMAZING I think the book is!
Thank you Michelle! I love the outdoor movie chapter too!
I loved the vimeo of the story of “Inspired Celebrations” which made me cry! I’m so proud of you, Ngoc and Caroline. I wish I was able to fly down to celebrate with you ladies. I’m not much of a party planner but I’m looking forward to celebrating my daughter’s first birthday! But really, I celebrate her and life everyday! I miss you!
Hi Thaomy!
Tram
We missed you at the party! Yes, Jordann is definitely a celebration herself!
I’ve been a long time foodie that enjoys to discover restaurants with a fun atmosphere that has unique and amazing food. Lately, I’ve been trying to replicate that at home, special occasions and potlucks with friends and through this, I feel like I’ve discovered a new world of food. I want to make every moment an inspired celebration.
I follow Caroline’s blog and when I first saw the video clip, I was very touched by your story. I’m a nurse so I’m not new to hearing about stories similiar to yours but seeing your real life video clip was very inspirational. I’m actually a NICU nurse so watching about how you gave birth really touched me as well. I’m so glad you were able to persevere and overcome such difficult struggles. I’m also pretty glad to be introduced to your blog, I’m excited to try my hand at some of your recipes
I planned my first inspired celebration this year. Last year I started using Pinterest and have been addicted to it so it inspired me to actually try out some of the recipes. Together my sisters and I hosted a New Year’s Eve Soiree/ house warming party. I tried a lot of new recipes and had a lot of fun. My next event I want to plan is some sort of tea party.
A tea party sounds super cute! Whenever I visit my friend in CA, we have tea parties too!
hi there! i am a friend of lina and heard of you and your blog from her. your story is amazing and i am so inspired! i sneaked a peek at her copy and loved it. keep up the amazing work and i can’t wait to explore the rest of your blog!
thanks so much Lynda!
Tram,
So good to see you and hear you on that video. Wow, I’m so proud of you! Congratulations! I’m sure your book will do great! I”m hopeful it will help me with my party planning skills which need alot of work, I must say.
With love & aloha!
Nancy
Wow!! Hi Nancy! I miss you and hope everything is going well!
My inspired celebration this year? My wedding in Canada! I will find a way to bring your book back to Vietnam
.
Awww I love it!
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